Widener Dean Selected for National Leadership Program

Dean Garrison was one of only 26 people nationwide selected for the National Leadership
Academy.

Widener University is pleased to announce that Dr. Deborah Garrison, dean of the School
of Nursing, is one of 26 mid-level administrators in higher education nationwide selected
by the Council of Independent Colleges and the American Academic Leadership Institute
to participate in a year-long Senior Leadership Academy.

Individuals chosen for the program are mid-level administrators in higher education
who aspire to senior leadership positions in independent colleges or universities.
As a participant, Garrison will attend two seminars, one in San Antonio, Texas, November
2012, and one in Washington, DC, June 2013. She will participate in a mentoring program,
experiential learning projects, and a series of readings and case studies.

The purpose of the Academy is to prepare prospective leaders to assume positions as
the chief officers in any division—including academic affairs, student affairs, finance,
enrollment management, and advancement—in independent higher education.

"The need to prepare future leaders of colleges and universities has never been greater,
because the generation of people now in senior leadership positions on campus is rapidly
approaching retirement," Richard Ekman, President of the Council of Independent Colleges,
said. "Competition for the available places in the Academy was intense, and the review
committee found the nomination materials to be most impressive. They (and I) believe
that Deborah Garrison has the potential for highly effective leadership in a position
of senior responsibility on campus."

Garrison has a PhD, MS, and BS from Texas Woman's University. Her scholarship is focused
on women's issues and leadership, including several book chapters, journal articles,
and paper presentations at international, national, regional, and state conferences.

"I have been impressed with Deborah's thoughtfulness and thoroughness in approaching
major school-specific and university-wide issues," Dr. Stephen C. Wilhite, senior
vice president for academic affairs and provost, said. "I know from numerous conversations
with her that she is highly motivated to seek a cabinet-level appointment as either
vice president for academic affairs or president in a university context, and I am
certain that she has the experience, intellect, work ethic, and social and emotional
competence to position her well for assuming such a role."

Garrison is honored to have been selected. "I look forward to developing my leadership
ability through mentorship by senior leaders at Widener University and participation
in workshops and other activities with colleagues from independent colleges and universities
across the nation," she said. "I am confident that the program will foster personal
growth that will benefit my present and future leadership roles."

Widener University is a private, metropolitan university that connects curricula to
social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal
attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener experience.
A comprehensive doctorate-granting university, Widener is comprised of eight schools
and colleges that offer liberal arts and sciences, professional and pre-professional
curricula leading to associates, baccalaureate, master's and doctoral degrees. The
university's campuses in Chester, Exton, and Harrisburg, Pa., and Wilmington, Del.,
serve some 6,700 students. Visit the university website, www.widener.edu.

The Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) is an association of more than 600 independent,
liberal arts colleges and universities and higher education affiliates and organizations
that work together to strengthen college and university leadership, sustain high-quality
education, and enhance private higher education's contributions to society. To fulfill
this mission, CIC provides its members with skills, tools, and knowledge that address
aspects of leadership, financial management and performance, academic quality, and
institutional visibility. The Council is headquartered at One Dupont Circle in Washington,
DC.

The American Academic Leadership Institute (AALI) provides leadership identification
and development programs across all sectors of public and private higher education.
AALI creates and implements programs and assistance for academic leaders in various
administrative positions enabling them to be successful in their roles and to advance
the institutions they serve. In addition, AALI supports research and publications
and consults with academic leaders and boards of trustees concerning traditional and
emerging issues facing higher education and its governance. Headquartered in Washington,
DC, AALI and its predecessor organizations have participated in the advancement of
higher education for over 30 years.